A Mate for Gideon (The Program Book 2)

by Hartnady, Charlene

  She stopped moving, but glared at him. “You promised, no funny business.”

  “I’m barely touching you. Sheesh!” He had to chuckle. She leaned as far away from him as she could, and her hands were still folded in her lap.

  “Calm down.” He moved his hand up her back, massaging her neck.

  “Ohhh. Ohhhh.” She groaned, not helping his cock any. “You’re good with your hands.”

  Hands. Cock. Mouth.

  He refrained from telling her this. It would be better to get through the next few dates and show her.

  Gideon closed his hand around the back of her neck and angled her towards his throat. “Come here.” His voice was a low rumble which happened when vampires got overly aroused.

  She stiffened instantly.

  “Smell my neck…my skin.” He growled some more.

  “Why?” Her whispered breath fanned the sensitive skin on his throat.

  “Just do it.” He smiled as he heard her sniffing.

  Jenna groaned. “What aftershave are you wearing…it’s, it’s…”

  “Intoxicating?”

  She pulled back just a little, enough to lock eyes with him. “That’s a good name for a fragrance. Especially one as good as…”

  Gideon shook his head. “I’m not wearing any aftershave.”

  “But…how is it that?” Her brows rose. “Oh…” She sighed, heat infusing her cheeks all over again. It was so damned cute. Adorable even.

  Her eyes were beautiful. A rich chestnut with green flecks around her pupils. They were framed by thick lashes. Damn but her lips were so ripe. It was the sweet little human that closed the distance between them.

  Surprising.

  Interesting.

  More welcome than fuck. She didn’t brush his lips or stick her tongue down his throat like he expected, instead, she sucked on his bottom lip causing his cock to lurch. Not that there was too much room left in his jeans.

  She pulled back, her breath still hot on his lips. Hovering for a few long seconds, she moved back in and nipped on his lip.

  Nipped. Put her teeth on him. Gideon groaned. He fucking groaned as he pushed his hands into her hair. He covered her mouth and dove headfirst into her. She tasted like nirvana. Like every happy moment he had ever had combined and on steroids. Their teeth clashed, their tongues dueled, their lips mashed together. It fucking killed him, but he kept his hands where they were.

  Jenna fisted his shirt. She made whimpering noises. He groaned. She made mewling noises. He groaned some more. His hips undulated. Gideon was harder than he had ever been in his whole fucking life. The row boat rocked. Water splashed. They kept kissing, drowning in one another.

  Gideon finally released her. Her lips swollen from his kisses. Her cheeks flushed. She moaned in frustration. Her hands gripping his shirt tighter.

  Gideon grit his teeth. He picked her up and put her back in her seat. “Hold on,” he growled. He picked up the oars and rowed.

  Jenna shrieked, grabbing on to either side as the boat lifted at the nose. “No. Not so fast.” She wailed. “What’s the rush?” She was smiling, her eyes wide.

  “I’m taking you home,” he growled.

  “Oh.” She looked deflated.

  “You will have ten minutes to get ready and then I’m taking you out on our third date. I can’t fucking wait to ease you…to watch as you come all over my dick.

  She swallowed hard and licked her lips. His little human couldn’t wait either.

  ****

  Lazarus had his arms around Jenna. He pulled her close, whispering into her ear. Gideon had had just about enough of this. He realized that was all a put on, that the two did need to seem like they were getting along or this whole thing wasn’t going to work, but fuck, a male only had so much restraint.

  When Jenna giggled, Gideon clenched his jaw. His molars gnashed together.

  “Who pissed on your battery?” One of the young elites, Griffin, asked. He was smiling broadly. There was a human female attached to his side. She had her arms around Griffin.

  “What the fuck are you talking about?” Gideon growled, irritated that the male was blocking his view.

  “You look like someone’s fucked you off. Is there a security breach or something? Is someone in danger?” The male had his brows raised. There was a smirk on his face.

  “Everything is perfectly fine…thank you for asking.” Gideon had to force himself to calm down. The last thing he wanted was to draw attention.

  Griffin shook his head. “If I didn’t know better, I would say that you were jealous.”

  Gideon decided not to answer. He narrowed his eyes and pursed his lips instead.

  Griffin smiled. “It would be completely understandable because they are addictive.” The young male growled, looking down at the female in his arms. “With that in mind, you will need to excuse me please…it is time to leave. I need to get to know Tina better…a lot better.”

  The female giggled while tightening her hold on Griffin. He watched the couple depart before turning his gaze back to Jenna.

  Lazarus turned to look at Gideon while putting his arm around Jenna’s waist. The big male nodded once and pointed to the main entrance, signaling that he was leaving. Gideon gave the slightest incline of his head. Thank fuck.

  It killed him to see Jenna in the program, but at the same time he wasn’t ready to approach his kings just yet. It was important that they spend some time together first. Maybe things had changed between them. Somehow, he doubted it but you never knew. The last thing he wanted was to approach Brant, only to find that they were no longer compatible. He wasn’t just talking sexually, but also on a much deeper level.

  It was complicated.

  He willed his eyes to stay on the dance floor and not to track Lazarus and Jenna as they left. As much is it killed him, he would need to stay right where he was for another hour and a half, until the end of this shift. It would draw too much attention if he left before then.

  ****

  Lazarus chuckled. “You couldn’t look more nervous if you tried.”

  “Rubbish ,” Jenna said. “I’m perfectly fine.” A total bald-faced lie. She was shaking in her heels.

  He shook his head, leaning further back into the couch. “Just look at you, your hands are folded in your lap, you’re sitting perfectly upright. Your eyes are practically glued to the door.”

  She huffed out a breath of air and licked her lips, slipping her feet out of her shoes. “It’s been ages since we left. Where is he? Do you think he’s still coming?” Jenna forced herself to lean back in her chair and even pulled her legs underneath herself.

  Lazarus chuckled again. “Like I was saying earlier, you have seen yourself in that dress haven’t you?”

  She narrowed her eyes at him. “This is no laughing matter. I’m not joking.” Lazarus had no clue about her and Gideon’s history. Maybe Gideon had, had a chance to think things through and had changed his mind about them. It hurt just thinking about the possibility.

  “I’m not joking either,” he growled. “Gideon will be here. I would quite happily bet my right nut on it.”

  She had to suppress a smile. “If you really meant it, you would be willing to bet more than just your right nut. Where is he then?” She hated how desperate she sounded.

  Lazarus made a grunting noise. “Fine,” he growled. “I’ll bet both nuts if it will make you happy. He’ll be here. I’m sure he’s just finishing off. The last thing he wants is—” There was a light rap on the door. Lazarus raised his brows. “There he is now.” Graceful for such a big guy, he sprang to his feet and strode to the door, quickly opening it.

  Gideon walked in, dressed from head to toe in black leathers. His jaw was tense, his eyes dark and focused solely on her. She felt her breath catch in her lungs. Her heart rate picked up.

  Lazarus quickly closed the door. “This would be my cue to head to bed…a-fucking-lone. Don’t think that I will forget”—he pointed at Gideon—“you owe me.” He spok
e softly, keeping his voice at a barely audible level. Lazarus ran a hand through his hair and grinned widely. “You both do realize that I have a reputation to uphold here, right?”

  For the first time since entering, Gideon turned his gaze to Lazarus whose grin broadened. “It’s important that your female make lots of noise. Panting, screaming…” He shrugged. “I’m really good at pleasing a female. I would hate for anyone to think otherwise.”

  Jenna gasped. She watched as Gideon narrowed his eyes. His jaw clenched and his muscles bulged under the soft leather as his hands curled into fists. He gave a jerk of the head. “This isn’t a joking matter.” He growled under his breath, his eyes flashing to her.

  Jenna felt disappointment rise. Gideon didn’t plan on touching her tonight. As much as she wanted to talk, she had missed him so much. Needed him.

  “Who’s fucking joking? It looks like both of you can use some lightening up.” Lazarus turned to look at her. “Oh and…” He paused for a long while. “Please be sure to scream my name when the time comes.”

  “In your fucking dreams,” Gideon somehow managed to growl even though he was whispering. He walked over to her, grabbed her hand and led her to a bedroom just down the hall. Lazarus’ chuckle sounded from behind them.

  Jenna had to smile. Lazarus was such a sweetheart. They rounded the corner. The room was tastefully decorated, but Jenna could see that it wasn’t lived in. She assumed that it was the spare bedroom.

  Gideon gestured for her to sit. She perched herself on the edge of the bed, keeping her eyes on his. Her heart was beating so rapidly, she could feel it in her chest.

  He went down on his haunches in front of her, threading their fingers together. “I’m sorry about Lazarus, he can be an uncaring Neanderthal at the best of times. We’re going to talk…take things slow. Can I get you something to drink?”

  Maybe he wasn’t as attracted to her as he used to be. She’d lost a bit of weight. He’d always admired her curves. There was a time he couldn’t keep his hands off of her even if he tried.

  Jenna shook her head. “I’m fine, thanks.” She tried to smile.

  He radiated raw energy and tension. “What about something to eat? I noticed that you didn’t have much this evening.”

  She felt her mouth gape for a second or two before she managed to pull herself together. “You were there?”

  He nodded. “Yes.” His eyes darkened. “I think you should eat something.” Gideon rose to his feet and she had to crane her neck to maintain eye contact.

  So he did think she was underweight since he was trying so hard to feed her. “I said I wasn’t hungry,” she snapped. Jenna took a deep breath. “Are you trying to avoid me?” She blurted. He’d said no lies, she had agreed and intended to keep her word.

  Gideon huffed out a breath of air. His jaw flexed. “No, I’m not. I wouldn’t be here otherwise. It’s just that, I don’t know how to act…how to be around you. You’ve suffered so much.” His eyes clouded. He looked down at his boots. “Should we be talking about all that happened or would it be better if we avoided the subject? Seems a bit fucked-up to talk about the weather or trivial shit.” He made an agonized noise and ran a hand through his hair. “I am very attracted to you, yet it wouldn’t be right to touch you.”

  Jenna stood up and moved towards him, she slid her hands around his waist, feeling him tense up even more. “I don’t want to talk more about…it. Not right now anyway. I just want to be with you. I don’t care if we talk about the weather or trivial shit…” She chewed on her bottom lip for a few seconds. “I would really like it if you touched me though. Our separation should never have happened. We need to make up for lost time.” She looked him deep in the eyes and his intense, dark expression turned even stormier.

  He stepped back, breaking contact and began to pace the room. Gideon put a hand through his hair and a growl escaped from somewhere deep in his throat. “I’m just so fucking angry. I want to go and kill that son of a bitch that did that to you. Tear him limb from fucking limb. I’m angry at myself as well…I should never have left you.” He clenched his jaw for a few seconds. “I’m sorry to have to say this, but when I think about it, I start to get angry at you…” He turned back to look at her. “You should’ve told me that you were mated, Jenna. That day, out on the lake, you had plenty of opportunities and then again later on. You shouldn’t have waited.”

  “We’ve talked about this. I told you that I was sorry.” She took a step towards him. “I didn’t know where things were headed after that first night. I was shocked that you wanted to date me. I was sure it was only to get into my pants…that it was a game to you. It was supposed to be a bit of harmless fun. You’re a vampire. Back then, relationships between our species were unheard of.” She folded her arms across her chest. “Then later on, when things started to get serious between us, I was so afraid of losing you. I knew if I told you, then it would be over. You seemed to be looking for an excuse to end it and I wasn’t about to give you one.”

  He quit pacing and swung around to face her. “That’s not true. You were everything to me. It broke my fucking heart when you told me you were mated.”

  “Admit that you were afraid, Gideon.”

  “I fear nothing,” he growled.

  “Bullshit. You told me more than once that if your king found out about us that, at best you would be imprisoned and at worst, put to death. You were so worried about your people finding out. You were hurt when I told you about being married but you were also a little relieved. I could see it. I only wish you would admit it.”

  “No fucking way,” he growled. “I will admit that I was concerned about how my kings would react. Rightly so. My leaving you had nothing to do with Brant or anyone else. You lied to me. That is why I broke it off but I shouldn’t have. It is something that I will need to live with. I was wrong…very wrong and it ended up costing you in the end.” He moved towards her, so close that she could feel his body warmth. “I won’t be making the same mistake again.”

  “You had better not.”

  “I told you that I won’t.” Another low growl. “We have agreed to work on a relationship. To see where this goes. I understand that we will need to…talk about it but we also need to be able to move beyond it. I understand why you were deceptive and I hope that I can trust you now.” He paused. “I’m pretty sure I can and that is what is most important.”

  Jenna stared at Gideon. His eyes were still dark and so intense. Every muscle in his body bulged. His neck muscles were corded. Even his jaw was clenched. He radiated fierceness. At first, she smiled, then, she began to laugh.

  His frame softened and a quizzical expression took residence on his face. “What is it?” Even the corners of his mouth turned up slightly.

  “I can’t believe it.” It was like a weight lifted off of her shoulders. “I’m not afraid…Gideon, I’m not afraid of you.”

  He frowned. “I should hope not. I thought we had established that I would never hurt you.”

  “I do know that. Logically at least” She was still smiling, couldn’t help herself. “The problem was that I couldn’t seem to get my body to understand that before, but it looks like I’m getting there. This is a breakthrough. I hated being scared of you. Hated it,” she said the last with venom. “I had no control over it even though I knew you would never hurt me.”

  By now he was smiling. Too damned handsome for his own good. His eyes lightened up quite considerably, she could see the gold flecks buried deep inside them. Then he turned serious. “We’ll get there…I know we will.”

  Jenna closed the distance between them. It happened quickly considering Gideon moved towards her too. His lips closed over hers and his hands bracketed her waist. Jenna clasped his shoulders, feeling his thick muscles beneath the soft leather.

  She moaned as he deepened the kiss. Gideon growled softly as she pushed herself more firmly against him. He threaded his hand into her hair, angling her so that he could devour her mouth.

>   “I’ve missed your kisses,” he whispered against her lips.

  She didn’t mean for it to happen, but suddenly she couldn’t help but to think of the other women that he had been with since they had last been together. How many others had he kissed? Held? Done much more with?

  He must’ve picked up on her unease, because he pulled away slightly. Jenna opened her lids, seeing a deep V between his eyes. “What’s wrong?” Gideon licked his lips.

  “I’m sorry,” she stammered. “It’s nothing.”

  Gideon held onto her. “You tensed up.” His nostrils flared. “I can scent your pain. Speak to me. Why are you upset?”

  Jenna swallowed thickly, feeling her cheeks heat. “You and those enhanced senses. Enough to drive me crazy.”

  He placed both hands on her hips. “Speak to me, Jen.”

  She looked away for a few seconds. “It’s just…I I had a chat with Lazarus…I know how vampires are…your vampire ways as Lazarus put it.” She sucked in a deep breath, not sure how to continue.

  Gideon raised his brows, he squeezed her hips just a little tighter to let her know that he wasn’t going to drop this. “What vampire ways?”

  She huffed out a breath. “It’s just that, you’ve been with a lot of women since we were last together.”

  His jaw ticked and his grip tightened almost to the point of pain. His eyes darkened and his lips turned white as he pursed them together. He didn’t deny her statement. It was in that moment that she realized she had been hoping for just that.

  Jenna pulled her lip between her teeth and bit down. “I know we weren’t together. I had hurt you badly. It’s still difficult for me. I really shouldn’t be jealous, but I can’t help myself.” She tried to pull away from him but he held onto her. “The thought of you with all those women hurts me.”

  “What did Lazarus tell you?”

  “It wasn’t only Lazarus, we were briefed during a training session that vampires have high sex drives, that you have sex often. I did already know this but I never gave it much thought before. We were briefed that you sleep with a lot of different partners, sometimes even with multiple partners in a day or even at the same time. I can’t help but to think of how many women you have been with since we were together. I know it’s wrong of me.”